In line with Qatar’s National Vision 2030 that sets the long-term objective for transforming the country into an advanced economy, capable of sustaining its own development and providing high standards of living for all people by 2030. As a result of this objective Qatar is now experiencing a great economic growth and expansion of its industrial activities and services.
From this promising vision Umm Al Houl Power Company (UHPC) committed to minimizing pollution and protecting the environment. We energetically manage our activities so that they have the least possible environmental and social impacts. Using natural resources efficiently through following strict environmental monitoring system in order to meet its strategic goals consistent with State of Qatar vision as leading Independent Water and Power Project (IWPP).
Our environmental monitoring commitments are established to ensure compliance with national and international standards requirements such as “Consent to Operate” issued to UHPC by the Ministry of Municipality and Environment (MME) under Law No. 30 (2002) and International Finance Corporation (IFC) “Guidance Notes to Performance Standards on Environmental and Social Sustainability” respectively. The various environmental components are being monitored during operation include the following:
The State of Qatar is signatory to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which is an international treaty that aims to limit the increases in average global temperature that have resulted in climate change, and to cope with its inevitable impacts. As such, Qatar’s Ministry of Environment has annual reporting obligations to the UNFCCC in accordance with its commitments to the current Paris Agreement, and previously the Kyoto Protocol, both of which record emissions reduction targets for member countries.
In addition, some lending institutions require that projects to which they provide support report on greenhouse gas emissions in accordance with their endorsed Guidance documents, including those of the International Finance Corporation’s Performance Standards for Environmental and Social Sustainability.
Informed by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPPC) Guidelines and the Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Protocol, a calculation sheet was developed by environmental consultant (GHD) for the calculation and reporting of the operational GHG emissions of the Umm Al Houl Independent Water and Power Project (IWPP).
GHG sources included in this methodology were only Scope 1 (direct) emissions, and comprise of:
The total GHGs (CO2 equivalents) the Umm Al Houl IWPP emitted between January and December 2022 was 2,336,475.48 tCO2e:
While leaking equipment’s, such as valves, flanges and connectors can be source of emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) in this facility, UHP has outlined a standard procedure for leak detection, quantification and rectification program. It includes the main activities, processes and aspects of implementing smart “Leak Detection And Rectification” (LDAR) for methane reduction that monitor and control combustible fuel gas leaks from the systems and equipment’s within this facility.
The combustion of fossil fuel gives rise to a number of pollutants with the potential to negatively affect air quality. With respect to natural gas (the only fuel to be burnt in the gas turbines), the pollutant of concern are considered in the assessment which are monitored at UHP via a Continuous Emissions Monitoring System (CEMS).
Stack emissions monitoring at six operational stacks for the following parameters:
Stack emissions at UHP were compliant with the CTO limits for emissions during the monitoring period of year 2019.
| Pollutant Emission Rates | Main/ByPass |
|---|---|
| SO2 (mg/Nm3) | 500 |
| NOx (mg/Nm3) | 20/55 |
| CO (mg/Nm3) | 500 |
| PM (Particulates matter, mg/Nm3) | 5 |
| NH3 slip (ppm) | 2 |
Pollutants’ Q Limits as per UHP CTO
The site has its own waste water treatment system comprising three (3) independent subsystems including an oily water treatment system, a process waste water (including chemical waste water) treatment system and a sewage water treatment system. The oily water from each expected oily contamination area is transferred via sump pump to the waste water treatment system where it is treated by an oil separation system. The normal waste water is transferred from each sump to the waste water treatment system; collected waste water is treated through the neutralization system and suspended solid removal system. The treated wastewater is discharged to the sea via the outfall in compliance with local regulations. The sewage water from each building is transferred to the sewage treatment system and, following treatment to ensure the water quality meets the relevant Qatari standards, is used for irrigation purposes on site.
Considering the operational process expected to occur on site. Waste material are occasionally generated because of routine operation, maintenance and equipment outages. The exact type and quantity of the waste arising are dependent upon the nature of those activities. Provision for the most suitable management practices for these waste streams are identified prior to any significant maintenance and outage activities being carried out.